Best things to do in Varanasi and sightseeing in Varanasi

One of the most colourful and indiscreet cities of India, Varanasi is one of the seven holiest cities for the Hindus. Also known as Kashi and Benaras, this place is known for its temples, ghats and the colourful people. The narrow alleys and crowded streets seem to be extremely blissful in spite of all the noise and chaos all around. People come here just to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. Varanasi is also known as Uttar Kashi and is situated on the western banks of the Ganges. It is said that a dip in this river frees one from a lifetime of sins. People even say that death here is auspicious as people attain moksha if they die here. Some people also come here tp creamate their loved ones and the sound of the holy temple bells are really soothing music to the ears.

Sarnath - Varanasi

Sarnath is an ancient city which is situated near the meeting point of holy river Ganges and the Gomti River. When Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, he is said to have come down over here and preached his first sermon which was about the middle path of Nirvana. When the followers of Buddha increased even after his death, there were many monasteries and stupas built here. In the th Century when the Chinese traveller Xuang Dan came, there was a 100 ft stupa of Lord Buddha and was the most important seat of Buddhism. Later the Muslims attacked this place and ransacked all the stupas and Sarnath disappeared magically to be found again by British archeologists in the 19th Century. The city was again revived and the ruined structures of the Buddhists are still found here and the Sarnath Deer Park which is the place where the First Sermon was preached is remarkable. It is still one of the four most important seats of Buddhism worship. People come here more during the Buddha Purnima or when his death anniversary is marked.

We kick started our trip with some history revision at Sarnath- the birth place of Buddhism. It is a treat to watch the huge statue of Lord Buddha, made of 280 stones, at the Thai temple. Its premises also has a replica of our national emblem - Ashoka Pillar. Bang opposite to this temple is the museum which has wonderfully restored remains of Sarnath Stupa. Hats off to the Archaeological Dept. of India. The museum welcomes you with the original Ashoka pillar, which leaves one awestruck. The carvings and photo gallery here is class apart. Right beside is the Stupa, which I personally term as 'Broken Beauty'. The incompleteness of its architecture makes it complete.

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers, 6 Reviews

You just can't miss this especially during winters. History looms at large throughout the excavation campus. You can see the Ashokan Pillar which once towered the campus and supported our National Emblem. The Archaeological Survey of India's musueum is breathtaking. It houses the National Emblem and the Chakra in their pristine and untouched form. I dare you not to miss this one.

Saikat Ganguly

70 Followers, 4 Reviews

A must visit. Sarnath is around an hour's drive from the Varanasi airport and it is well worth the visit. It is the site where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon. It's surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. There are guides there that give a pretty accurate description of the history and background of Sarnath. You can hire them for a measly amount of 30 Rs. Also, check out the museum that is just a few meters away. Don't shop at the shop the guides take you too. The shopkeepers will try to fleece you and make an extra buck or two.

Sarnath - Varanasi

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers 6 Review

We kick started our trip with some history revision at Sarnath- the birth place of Buddhism. It is a treat to watch the huge statue of Lord Buddha, made of 280 stones, at the Thai temple. Its premises also has a replica of our national emblem - Ashoka Pillar. Bang opposite to this temple is the museum which has wonderfully restored remains of Sarnath Stupa. Hats off to the Archaeological Dept. of India. The museum welcomes you with the original Ashoka pillar, which leaves one awestruck. The carvings and photo gallery here is class apart. Right beside is the Stupa, which I personally term as 'Broken Beauty'. The incompleteness of its architecture makes it complete.

Saikat Ganguly

70 Followers 4 Review

You just can't miss this especially during winters. History looms at large throughout the excavation campus. You can see the Ashokan Pillar which once towered the campus and supported our National Emblem. The Archaeological Survey of India's musueum is breathtaking. It houses the National Emblem and the Chakra in their pristine and untouched form. I dare you not to miss this one.

Arushi

104 Followers 12 Review

A must visit. Sarnath is around an hour's drive from the Varanasi airport and it is well worth the visit. It is the site where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon. It's surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. There are guides there that give a pretty accurate description of the history and background of Sarnath. You can hire them for a measly amount of 30 Rs. Also, check out the museum that is just a few meters away. Don't shop at the shop the guides take you too. The shopkeepers will try to fleece you and make an extra buck or two.

Bhargavi Mahajan

143 Followers 2 Review

Kushendra Tiwary

199 Followers 85 Review

Take a walk around the place and see how you fall in love with it.

Ankita Misra

458 Followers 70 Review

Sarnath has something to offer to everyone. There's a deer park that one can easily tour around. After the Bouddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to sarnath to deliver his very first sermon.

Rahul

239 Followers 104 Review

The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Singhpur, a village approximately one km away from the site, was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and a temple dedicated to him, is an important pilgrimage site.
Isipatana is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit, if they wanted to visit a place for that reason. It was also the site of the Buddha's Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it.

Best time to visit

November- May

Things to do

tours

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Assi ghat - Varanasi

This is a beautiful ghat on the southernmost region of Varanasi and is often the most popular among forest tourists, especially students. People make it a must point to take a dip here before they seek the blessings from the Shivalinga under the ancient peepal tree just on the banks of the river ghat. There is also the Asisangameshvar Temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva again. The name of this temple is such because it is situated on the confluence point of the Assi. A little distance from the temples there are twin tanks out of which the more popular has always been the Lorkar Tank which is unfortunately almost abandoned now. People however come and bath here during the Lorkar Fair when they seek blessings from the lord mainly for a male child. Another significance of this place is that this is said to be once of the places from where the Hindu religion originated.

We ended our day one by sitting at the Assi ghat around sunset. This ghat was less crowded and gave a spectacular view of the Ganga. The swaying boats, little children playing around, pandits making preparation for the evening Aarti and some people just sitting in peace, watching the sunset shades on the waters of Ganga. I witnessed the evening Ganga aarti here. Words fall less to describe the feelings a human goes through while watching it. The chants, lights, energy and vibes changes something in you which is inexplicable. It surely killed all the tiredness of the day!

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers, 6 Reviews

Here, you can hire a boat and see the confluence of Assi with Ganga rivers.

Nancy Nance

686 Followers, 187 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

worship

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

Free

Assi Ghat - Varanasi

This is a beautiful ghat on the southernmost region of Varanasi and is often the most popular among forest tourists, especially students. People make it a must point to take a dip here before they seek the blessings from the Shivalinga under the ancient peepal tree just on the banks of the river ghat. There is also the Asisangameshvar Temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva again. The name of this temple is such because it is situated on the confluence point of the Assi. A little distance from the temples there are twin tanks out of which the more popular has always been the Lorkar Tank which is unfortunately almost abandoned now. People however come and bath here during the Lorkar Fair when they seek blessings from the lord mainly for a male child. Another significance of this place is that this is said to be once of the places from where the Hindu religion originated.

You may seat by the river have some light spicy snacks, offer to Goddess Ganga or go boating on a clearing day. Assi ghat is a world in itself. Take a boat ride from assi ghat to the other end of the stretch and relate to the cycle of life.

Ankita Misra

458 Followers, 70 Reviews

Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. To most visitors to Varanasi, it is known for being a place where long-term foreign students, researchers, and tourists live.
Assi Ghat is one of ghats often visited for recreation and during festivals. On typical days about 300 people visit every hour in the mornings, and on festival days 2500 people arrive per hour. The ghat accommodates about 22,500 people at once during festivals like Shivratri.

Rahul

239 Followers, 104 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

worship

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

Free

Dasaswamedh Ghat - Varanasi

The most important and busiest of all ghats, the Dasaswamedh Ghat is also the oldest of all. The Kashi Viswanathar Temple is on the banks of this ghat and thus is the most popular with locals as well tourists. The main attraction is the evning aarti here and also the sight of people busy in their daily activities and religious rituals such as worships, cremations and others.

Varanasi's holiest spot. People believe that Lord Brahma created this to welcome Lord Shiva. It is the most spectacular ghat of Varanasi. Priests perform evening prayers here daily.

Nancy Nance

686 Followers, 187 Reviews

Whatever you do, make sure you do not miss the maha aarti every evening on the Dasawamedh Ghat. With a whole retinue of priests chanting in unison and the flames of several hundred small lamps, it was quite the spectacle. And one I was more than happy to join in.
You can also release a small leaf boat into the Ganges after the aarti with flowers in it, purchased from any one of the many small children who will tug at you. It is said to carry your hopes and prayers to the gods, and makes for a lovely sight with the reflection of the lamps in the waters.

Nikita Goswami

263 Followers, 9 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

worship

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Dashashwamedh Ghat - Varanasi

This is the most important and the busiest of all the five ghats and is also the most accessible one. This has a flat roofed place where the aarti of the Kashi Vishwanath is done. This place is even crowded during the rainy season as people have to come here to take a boat to cross the river to go to the other side. The sound of the temple bells and the holy chantings give the mind and sould a magical refreshment and divine feeling of peace amidst such a chaotic atmosphere. The evening arti is a sight to behold. You can just spend hours sitting here and doing nothing. The grandeur of the aarti maintained here is remarkable with so many priests standing in a line with big oil lamps in worship of the Lord.

Dashashwamedh Ghat is located close to Vishwanath Temple, and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Hundreds of people gather here to view the famous Ganga aarti everyday twice, in morning and evening.

Ash Kapoor

207 Followers, 2 Reviews

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River. It is located close to "Vishwanath Temple" and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another legend, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa -Ashwamedha yajna performed here.
Very Famous Ganga Aarti takes place on the ghat in the evening, after sunset. A group of Brahmans hold huge fire bowls in their hands and offer their holy mantras to river Ganges, Shiva - the Hindu God of destruction, Surya - the Sun God and the entire Universe. The devotees then offer flowers and earthen lamps - diyas - to river Ganges, in order to pay due regards to their ancestors in heaven.

Rahul

239 Followers, 104 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

worship, photography

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

Free

Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi

Better known as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the world. Moreover, this is the holiest existing place for Hindus in the country. The Shivalingam worshipped here is said to be the oldest and holiest of all other Jyotiralingams. The temple is also known as the Golden Temple as the gopuram or upper facade is wrapped in gold sheets. This place of worship is also mentioned in the Mahabharata which has always made Varanasi the holiest place of worship for the Hindus in the world. The temple was built much later by a Maratha queen named Ahilyabai Holkar. This is also one of the most visited places on Earth.

A beautiful quiet place where one can learn about different gods of Hindu religion.

Nancy Nance

686 Followers, 187 Reviews

Best time to visit

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Things to do

worship

Open Hours

4:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Budget

Free

Banaras Hindu University Campus - Varanasi

Final day of the trip, we went to BHU - one of the most prestigious institute of our country. The campus is beautiful and youngsters add more life to this place. It has a Vishwanath temple inside, with a peaceful garden. I spotted students studying in its premises. The outlets right at the entrance of this temple serve delicious cold coffee and mango shake! We also visited other famous local temples close to the campus - 'Sankat Mochan' Hanuman mandir, Durga Mata mandir and Manas mandir. I was amazed to see the entire 'Ramayana' engraved on the walls of Manas temple! Do not miss to have 'Banarasi Meetha paan'. Also, do have the famous sweet 'Launglata' and lassi at the store - 'Pehelvaan launglata and lassi wale' in Lanka. The smell and taste of mud oozed out of a 'kulhad' tantalizes ones taste buds. Foodgasm at its peak! ;) My Varanasi diary comes to an end here. Enjoy mystical Banaras!

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers, 6 Reviews

Ramnagar Fort - Varanasi

Our next stop was Ramnagar Fort. This fort's architecture is simple and aesthetic. Its artifacts showcases the entire timeline of 'Benarasi' culture. The Vintage cars and carts, the apparels, the arms and ammunition - everything was archaic! I loved a clock here, which showed the position of the sun, moon and details of a zodiac sign. Truly awesome! Ask someone for the famous lassi shop around. Do not miss it! :)

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers, 6 Reviews

Yoga House - Varanasi

Yoga House, a lovely home stay. Right at the banks of River Ganges, the view from the rooms is amazing. The blue walls of this place has a soothing effect. Rohit, the owner of the place is very helpful. His contact number: +91 7080354441
The room rent is around 1800 INR per night and and extra 300 bucks for a yoga class.

Kanika

7 Followers, 13 Reviews

Durgakund Temple - Varanasi

This is an 18th Century temple built on the southern part of Varanasi. This temple is built in the Naagra Style and the credit goes to some Bengali queen of that era. The beautiful design of multiple spires make the temple look grand and the red and ochre colour combination is the symbol of the Mother Goddess. The main deity here is Goddess Durga who represents Shakti or power. Adjacent to this temple is a rectangular tank which is also known as the Durga Kund. This was at one time linked with the river but the connection is not there now. Most people come here to worship during the Navaratri.

One of the main temples in Varanasi devoted to Goddess Durga.

Ankita Misra

458 Followers, 70 Reviews

Best time to visit

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Things to do

worship

Open Hours

5:00 AM- 12:00 PM and 4:00- 9:00 PM

Budget

Free

Jain Mandir - Varanasi

13kms north-east of Varanasi is where the deer park is located, in the city of Sarnath, this is tha place where Gautam Budh first taught the Dharma, this is also the place where Shreyansanath, the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism was born and a Jain temple is dedicated to him here.

The surrounding Jain temples are a pleasant evening walk, but what fascinated me most was the nearby deer park where Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon. The park itself plays to script, with a sense of calm engulfing the place.

Nikita Goswami

263 Followers, 9 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

N/A

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Kedar Ghat - Varanasi

This is one of the most accessible and also one of the most important ghats of Benaras or Varanasi. This is the ghat which is mostly chosen by boat operators to start from on a boating tour along the Ganges River. You have to reach this temple after crossing like a labyrinth of very narrow lanes and alleys filled with eateries, shops and chaos. As you reach this ghat, you will find that this is cleaner than many other and is mainly famous for the beautiful Kedareshwar Temple.

Popular ghat with Bengalis and South Indians.

Rahul

239 Followers, 104 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

worship, boating tours

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ghat - Varanasi

In the evening, we took a boat ride to the other side of Ganga from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ghat. The view of endless ghats, from amidst the river is breathtaking. It looks like a painters colour palette. I stepped out on the bank of the river, took a handful of 'Gangajal' and sprinkled it over my head. I don't know if a handful of water can wash ones sins, but the belief that it shall cleanse your soul, surely fills one's throat. After this we rode across the length of the river to see all the ghats. Some had people leaving the wish 'deep' for a good life and on the contrary some had cremation ceremony going on. The cycle of life could be seen meters away!

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers, 6 Reviews

Dashaswamedh Ghat - Varanasi

Next morning, we started off with watching the sunrise at the most popular ghat of Varanasi - Dashaswamedh! We got there pretty early. There were still stars in the sky and the horizon was gradually changing its colours. When the rays hit the holy waters of Ganga, it shimmered red. The sadhu's chanted mantras while offering 'Arg' to 'Surya Devta'. Naga baba's stood up and played 'dambroo' in full swing. Bells rang around and a bunch of people took a dip in the pious Ganga. I had never seen the sun being welcomed with such warmth and energy! Once I filled my eyes enough with the scenic sunrise, we moved to visit the 'Kashi Vishwanath' temple. The lane which leads to this temple is interestingly dark. Children carried snakes in their hand asking for money. A widowed old lady held my hand here and wished that I get a good husband. I felt ironically yet genuinely blessed! The temple structure is ancient and is cracked at places with withered off gold! Faith can be smelled in the air here!

Ruchita Katiyar

12 Followers, 6 Reviews

Ganpati Guest House - Varanasi

The options of lodging Varanasi just keep getting better. Located close to the Meer Ghat is the Ganpati Guest House, a place that offers one a comfortable stay while one is on a visit to the city. The services provided by this guest house include air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, laundry, a travel desk to help one with travel related queries and bookings, a business centre, transportation to and from the airport and as well as train station and a restaurant and bar. This restaurant serves a variety of dishes, beverages and as well as light snacks. The rooms are spic and span and the staff here make sure that one enjoys their stay at the guest house. Attached toilets, running water and cable television are some of the other services that the guest house provides.

A step up from my earlier budget accommodation, the Ganpati Guest house turned out to be an excellent midrange option. Offering WiFi (a real luxury in non-metropolitan India), a view of the Ganges, and rooms with a generous dose of personality -- my needs were more than met at this laid-back joint.

Nikita Goswami

263 Followers, 9 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

This guesthouse is located close to the Ghats and thus one can plan a visit there.

Open Hours

The Check in time at the guesthouse is 12 pm while the check out time is 12 noon.

Budget

Charges start at INR 1350.00 for a standard room and go upwards depending on the amenities provided with each room.

Dashaswmedh Ghat Road - Varanasi

The road surrounding the Dashaswamedha Ghat is known as the Dashaswmedh Ghat Road. This is the place of the Kashi Viswanath Temple which is the holiest pilgrimage site for the Hindus. This road is lined with hotels, restaurantsm, sweet shops and pan shops. There are also a number of narrow alleys surrounding this place which is a mark of Benaras.

Madhur Milan - Varanasi

This is a local rstaurant and café for some nice traditional food that Benaras is known for. The Kachori Sabzi, samosa, jalebis and other south Indian food are well served here. The lunch thalish serve a good quantity and the prices for everything are very low. They have a good and simple seating arrangement on the upper level and this place is more airy than the ground floor. You can have some really good time out there while you eat the food and do people watching from there.

One of the better things about traveling in India is that you can find good food at dirt cheap prices. It almost feels like a crime to have a bill so tiny after a wholesale wolfing down of yummy samosas, chai and many a snack at Madhur Milan, but there isn't much room left for guilt after a meal that size!

Nikita Goswami

263 Followers, 9 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

eat- out

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi

Also known as just the Vishwanath Temple, this is the one temple around which the whole city partly revolves around. This is not only the most important place for Hindu pilgrimage but also one of the most important temples all round the world. The mention of kashi was even there during the Mahabharata but the temple was built during the 18th Century by the the Maratha queen named Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. This temple is also known as the Golden Temple because of the gold wrapped main spire of the temple. There are smaller shrines too inside the temple complex and the evening aarti here on the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a sight to behold.

if you visit Varanasi and don't take out time for Vishwanath Temple, there will be a lot you will miss out on. One of the 12 shiv-linga situated in different parts of the country, Vishwanath Temple holds an important place in the journey of hindu pilgrim.

Ankita Misra

458 Followers, 70 Reviews

Best time to visit

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Things to do

worship

Open Hours

4:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Budget

Free

Manikarnika Ghat - Varanasi

According to legendary tales, the Manikarnika Kund is even older than the River Ganges and it was created by Lord Vishnu as a symbol of the creation of the Universe. The Manikarnika Ghat was however made by Lord Shiva and is said to be a samsham or cremation ground for the Hindus completely. As it is people say that death in Kashi leads to Moksha and thus people come here to cremate their loved ones and pray for their souuls to attain moksha. This is second in importance to the Dashashwamedha Ghat and is also one of the Pancha Sthans for holy Hindu worship.

It's one of varanasi's burning ghat which is always lined with funeral pyres.

Nancy Nance

686 Followers, 187 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

worship, cremation

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

Free

Deena Chat House - Varanasi

Also known as the Deena Chat Bhandar, this is one of the best and most popular chat shops in Benaras. The shop is near the Gadowlia Road and is quite big for guests to sit and enjoy the lip smacking chats. Their specialties are the aloo chat, tamatar chat, samosa, palak chat, patties and gulab jamun. The taste is good for everything and cleanliness is also maintained well here.

For foodies with strong guts, this one is a MUST-VISIT!! Serving Indian Street Food; paani puri, aloo chat etc, in the most authentic manner. Don't forget to end your meal without Gulab Jamun or Kulfi Faluda

Ankita Misra

458 Followers, 70 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

eat- out

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Kachori Gali - Varanasi

Temples, Ghats and kachoris  this is what the city of Varanasi is all about. The best way to get a taste of these delicious fried delights is by paying a visit to the famous Kachori Gali. The lane is dotted with a number of shops complete with large kadhais (woks) filled with oil, ready to fry a batch of kachoris to golden perfection. The first half of this lane is called Vishwanath Gali due to the location of the temple by the same name. Ask anyone who has been here and they will rave about the hot kachoris that come with a variety of filling and sides like chana and potato curry and tamarind chutney. A word of advice to those who plan to traverse here soon, visit the gali by 7 am as the later its gets, the more the food runs out here.

It maybe 5 in the morning but never too early to have these tempting poori-kachori sabzi on leaf-plates.

Ankita Misra

458 Followers, 70 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

Offer a prayer at the Vishwanath Temple and then proceed to have a hearty breakfast of kachoris here.

Open Hours

7 am to 7 pm.

Budget

One can expect to pay about INR 150.00 for a meal that will suffice two people.

Chowk - Varanasi

Chowk is the one of the oldest markets in the state of Uttar Pradesh with around 5000 shops in it. The Chowk is also called as the godown full of historical heritage of Lucknow. The market is a modern business centre but it still retains a blend of Nawabi glamour in it. The market is very famous for chikan clothes and ornaments. The handicrafts items available in this market make it quite popular. People in this area are mostly involved in making ornaments and handicrafts made through carving of ivory and bones. Nagra shoes and Jardoji clothes are the main attractions in this market. This market also has many food stalls which serve delicious food such as Kabab Paratha, Biriyani and few milk products. The most reputable fast food stall in the Chowk are "Ram Asraya" & "Radhey Lal Sweets", they are also one of the oldest establishments in this area.

One of the busiest settlement in the city. Walk around the area and figure the actual Kashi yourself. Do explore different Galiya (alleys) to Ganges from this area.

Rahul

239 Followers, 104 Reviews

Best time to visit

Diwali

Things to do

Delicious Food, Heritage buildings

Open Hours

11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Budget

Free

Vaishali Restaurant - Varanasi

A visit to this restaurant is as important as one's visit to the Buddhist town of Sarnath when one is in Varanasi. This air-conditioned eatery serves food that spans across North and South India. The Vaishali Restaurant does not have a bar and does not provide home delivery services. The non-vegetarian food that this place serves is what keeps the crowds coming back for more. The restaurant accepts cards apart from cash payment. If you are an early riser, you can head to this place for breakfast. Though the décor here is not lavish, the food items are priced reasonably. The service rendered by the staff is highly commendable.

Vaishali Restaurant serves up good snacks such as dosas and banana shakes.

Nikita Goswami

263 Followers, 9 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

One should try the uttapams that are served here. The chola bhutra is spicy and should be tried.

Open Hours

The restaurant starts serving food from 7 am and closes service around 10 pm.

Budget

INR 700.00 is sufficient for two people to dine at this eatery.

Archaeological Museum - Varanasi

A decision in the year 1905 was taken by the then government of India to display and preserves the precious artifacts and items found at the excavations at Sarnath. This led to the birth of a site museum at Sarnath that is considered to be the oldest in the fold of the Archeological Survey of India. The brain child of the Director General of Archeology at that period, Sir John Marshall and executed by James Ransome who was the Consulting Architect, the Archeological Museum was inaugurated in 1910 and houses five large galleries and two verandahs that display the items. The museum also has a coffee shop for one to grab a quick bite. Wheelchairs and ramps are provided to help the specially-able people navigate through the museum.

Even to someone who doesn't know much about Buddhism, the history of Sarnath is captivating. The archaeological museum is clean, has a negligible entrance fee (Two rupees when I went!), and makes for the perfect way to beat the afternoon heat. It is also fairly comprehensive, carrying exhibits that date all the way back to the 3rd century BC and are rich in cross-cultural influence -- with Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art all occupying pride of place.

Nikita Goswami

263 Followers, 9 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

Make use of the paid guide facility and the touch screen kiosks that provide information about the items that are on display.

Open Hours

9 am to 5 pm throughout the week, except on Friday when the museum is closed.

Budget

Children below the age of 15 can enter this museum free of cost while INR 5.00 is charged for adults.